Biography
Herbie Mann was born Herbert Jay Solomon on April 16, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents who were dancers and singers. He began his musical journey with the clarinet at age nine, later transitioning to the tenor saxophone and flute. Mann's early influences included Benny Goodman, and he was particularly drawn to South American and Caribbean rhythms. After serving in the U.S. Army, Mann found himself in a jazz scene saturated with saxophonists, which led him to focus on the flute. He collaborated with Mat Matthews for Carmen McRae's album, marking his entry into jazz flute. Mann's career spanned multiple genres, including bebop, Afro-Cuban jazz, bossa nova, and jazz fusion. He was a pioneer in popularizing Brazilian music in the U.S. and Europe, notably through his 1961 bossa nova recordings in Brazil with Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto. In the 1970s, Mann explored pop and smooth jazz, incorporating elements from soul, blues rock, reggae, funk, and disco. His album 'Memphis Underground' (1969) exemplified this fusion approach. Mann passed away on July 1, 2003, after battling prostate cancer.
Mann's musical style was characterized by his emphasis on groove and his fearless exploration of diverse musical traditions. He was one of the first jazz musicians to specialize in the flute, and his work significantly influenced the development of world music and jazz fusion. Mann's legacy extends beyond his own music; he paved the way for future generations of musicians to experiment with cross-cultural sounds.
Throughout his career, Mann collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Phil Woods, Cissy Houston, Duane Allman, and Larry Coryell. His ability to blend different genres made him a sought-after musician during a period when jazz's popularity was waning. Mann's contributions to jazz and world music remain significant, and his innovative approach continues to inspire musicians today.
Fun Facts
- Herbie Mann changed his name from Solomon to Mann because it sounded 'hip' and less ethnic.
- Mann had no forefathers in jazz flute, so he developed his style by drawing from outside jazz.
- He was one of the first international artists to popularize bossa nova globally.
- Mann's single 'Hi-Jack' was a Billboard No. 1 dance hit for three weeks in 1975.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Benny Goodman - early jazz influence (None specified) [Early life]
Key Collaborators
- Phil Woods - jazz saxophonist and collaborator (Various jazz recordings) [1950s]
- Antonio Carlos Jobim - collaboration on bossa nova recordings (1961 bossa nova album)
- Cissy Houston - vocalist in Mann's experimental period (Memphis Underground)
- Duane Allman - guitarist in Mann's experimental period (Memphis Underground)
- Larry Coryell - guitarist in Mann's experimental period (Various albums) [1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Various musicians - influence on jazz fusion and world music (None specified) [Ongoing]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Do the Bossa Nova | 2005-07-26 | Album |
| Memphis Underground | 1969 | Album |
| Surprises | 1976 | Album |
| Push Push (feat. Duane Allman) | 1971-01-01 | Album |
| Latin Fever | 2005-07-26 | Album |
| Gagaku & Beyond | 1976 | Album |
| Discotheque | 2005-07-26 | Album |
| At The Village Gate | 1975-06-30 | Album |
| Verve Jazz Masters 56: Herbie Mann | 1996-05-15 | Album |
| Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty | 1970 | Album |
| The Evolution Of Mann: The Herbie Mann Anthology | 2005-07-26 | Album |
| The Best Of Herbie Mann | 1970-01-01 | Album |
| East Coast Jazz, Vol. 4 (Remastered 2013) | 2014-02-25 | Album |
| Reggae | 1974 | Album |
| Impressions Of The Middle East | 1967 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Comin' Home Baby
- Amor Em Paz (Love in Peace) (Do the Bossa Nova)
- Memphis Underground (Memphis Underground)
- Cajun Moon (feat. Cissy Houston) (Surprises)
- Congo Mulence (A Man And His Music: El Padrino)
- One Note Samba (Do the Bossa Nova)
- Consolation (Consolacao) (Do the Bossa Nova)
- Battle Hymn of the Republic (Memphis Underground)
- Push Push (feat. Duane Allman) (Push Push (feat. Duane Allman))
- Batida diferente (Latin Fever)
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #soul-jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
herbie mann has been played 22 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.